2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: Best Budget Baller Rod And Reel Combos!

Today we're covering the best budget-friendly rods and reels for bass fishing! If you're looking for quality gear to take your fishing to the next level, this is for you! We've completely revamped the Buyer's Guide Series this year so you may be surprised by many of these pairings.

The goal of today's video is to find quality gear at the best price. The 'budget" category is often mistaken for "beginner" gear, and this couldn't be farther from the truth. There are price-conscious anglers at every skill level and we've taken each of them into consideration. If you're looking to get the most for your money, this is for you! Many of these rods and reels outperform the high end gear from just a few years ago.

Below you'll find links to the exact rod and reel combos in today's video. We've included our favorite models from each product line and our favorite reel sizes and speeds for each combo. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BUDGET CASTING COMBOS (In Order Of Price)...

Rod #1 – Cashion Element Z2: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Favorite Models: 6'9" Medium, 7' Medium Heavy, 7'3" Heavy Fast

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Favorite Speed: 7.2:1

Rod #2 – St. Croix Black Bass: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Favorite Models: 6'8" Medium, 7'1" medium Heavy, 7'4" Heavy

Reel– Seviin GF: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Favorite Speed: 7.3:1

Rod #3 – Dobyns Fury: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Favorite Models: 7' Medium Heavy, 7'6" Medium Heavy

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Favorite Speed: 7.3:1

BUDGET SPINNING COMBOS (In Order Of Price)...

Rod #1 – St. Croix Black Bass: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium Light, 7'3" Medium

Reel– Shimano Miravel: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod #2 – Dobyns Fury: https://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Favorite Models: 7' Medium Light, 7' Medium

Reel– Shimano Ultegra: https://bit.ly/3YsflNS

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod #3 – Fenwick HMG: https://bit.ly/4cXBAjD

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'1" Medium

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Favorite Size: 2500

BUDGET BFS COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

Reel– Ark Gravity BFS: https://bit.ly/3UtgXnY

Favorite Speed: 7.1:1

BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Model: 7'8" Heavy

Reel– Shimano Cardiff A 300: https://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Jigs– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

•Best Chatterbaits– https://youtu.be/NaLpakzewTs

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Fishing Rods– https://youtu.be/d4sEMLCcETs

•Best Entry Level Combos– https://youtu.be/4O2ewrZzuJw

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Entry Level Rod And Reel Combos For Bass Fishing!

Who makes the best fishing rods and reels?? Today we're covering the most value–packed entry level rods and reels for bass fishing! With so much gear on the market, it's hard to know where to spend your hard–earned money. We're here to help!

Some of these rods and reels are staples in their categories, while others are brand new. It's important to understand that entry level rods are a reference to price, not to angler skill level. Anglers at this price range deserve the best gear they can afford, and that's exactly what they'll find amongst the gear on our list today. Let's check them out!

Below you'll find links to all the rods and reels in today's video. We've listed them in the order they appear, and included our favorite models from each line. All the links go directly to tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Jigs– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

•Best Chatterbaits– https://youtu.be/NaLpakzewTs

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Fishing Rods– https://youtu.be/d4sEMLCcETs

ENTRY LEVEL SPINNING COMBOS

Rod– Shimano Sellus: http://bit.ly/2ro5vQu

Favorite Models: 7'1" Medium, 7'1" Medium Heavy

Reel– Shimano Nexave: https://bit.ly/3nhj4f1

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod– Daiwa Aird X: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Favorite Models: 7' Medium, 7' Medium Heavy

Reel– Daiwa Revros LT: https://bit.ly/3rpoPw9

Favorite Size: 2000

VALUE PACKED CASTING COMBOS...

Rod– Abu Garcia Vengeance: https://bit.ly/4hx5z58

Favorite Models: 7' Medium XFast, 7'3" Medium Heavy Fast

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Favorite Speed: 7.5:1

Rod– Dobyns Colt: https://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

Favorite Models: 7' MH, 7'3" Heavy

Reel– Shimano Caius: https://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

Favorite Speed: 7.2:1

Rod– Shimano SLX A: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium, 7' Medium Heavy, 7'5" Heavy

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150: https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Favorite Speed: 7.2:1

Rod– Tatula XT: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

Favorite Models: 7' Medium, 7'1" Medium Heavy

Reel– Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

Favorite Speed: 7.5:1

Rod– St. Croix Bass X: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Favorite Models: 6'8" Medium XF, 7'4" Heavy Fast

Reel– Seviin GF: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Speed: 7.3:1

VALUE PACKED SPINNING COMBOS...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick: https://bit.ly/3DsJYvf

Models: 6'9" Medium, 7' Medium Light

Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod– Fenwick Eagle: https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

Models: 7' Medium Light, 7'1" Medium

Reel– Shimano Nasci: https://bit.ly/2g278cC

Favorite Size: 2500 HG

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Fishing Rods For Bass Fishing At Every Price!

We've looked at every rod, from every brand, at every price range, and today we've assembled a list of THE BEST FISHING RODS! From beginner anglers, to budget fishermen, advanced anglers to the true enthusiasts, we've found the best rods you can get!

Come along as we dive into the world of fishing rods! Everything has been reset in 2025 as new rods entered the market, old rods were discontinued, price adjustments were impacted by tariffs, and availability has been a guessing game for many brands. With that in mind, we're launching a brand new Buyer's Guide video we've never done before! From the lowest price point to the highest, these lines of rods stand out at their individual prices.

Below you'll find links to all the rods discussed in the video, including some of our favorite models from each rod line. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Jigs– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

•Best Chatterbaits– https://youtu.be/NaLpakzewTs

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

BEGINNER RODS...

•Daiwa Aird X (Casting): https://bit.ly/2Z2JfYG

•Daiwa Aird X (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

•Abu Garcia Vengeance (Casting): https://bit.ly/4hx5z58

•Abu Garcia Vengeance (Spinning): https://bit.ly/42oNpwm

•Dobyns Colt (Casting): https://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

•Dobyns Colt (Spinning): https://bit.ly/4l2N7l8

BUDGET RODS...

•Shimano SLX A (Casting): https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

•Shimano SLX A (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

Models: 6'10" Medium Casting, 7' Medium Light Spinning

•Daiwa Tatula XT (Casting): https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

•Daiwa Tatula XT (Spinning): https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Models: 7'3" Heavy Casting, 7'1" Medium Light Spinning

•Fenwick Eagle (Casting): https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

•Fenwick Eagle (Spinning): https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

Models: 7'5" Heavy Fast Casting, 7'1" Medium Spinning

BUDGET BALLER RODS...

•Cashion Element Z2 (Casting): https://bit.ly/48w69eC

•Cashion Element Z2 (Spinning): https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

Models: 6'10" Med Light Casting, 7' Medium Casting, 6'10" Medium Spinning

•St. Croix Black Bass (Casting): https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

•St. Croix Black Bass (Spinning): https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Models: 7'4" Heavy Fast Casting, 7'3" Medium Light XFast Spinning

•Dobyns Fury (Casting): https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

•Dobyns Fury (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Models: 734 Casting, 765 Casting, 702 Spinning

MID PRICED RODS...

•Shimano Intenza (Casting): https://bit.ly/2QADLTq

•Shimano Intenza (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Models: 6'10" MH Casting, 7'4" Med Light Spinning

•Megabass Levante (Casting): https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

•Megabass Levante (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2XkVoej

Models: Flat Side Special Casting, Braillist Casting, 7' Shakyhead Spinning

•St. Croix Victory (Casting): https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

•St. Croix Victory (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

Models: 7'4" Heavy Fast Casting, 6'8" Medium Xfast Spinning

MID HIGH RODS...

•Fenwick Elite (Casting): https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

•Fenwick Elite (Spinning): https://bit.ly/46TZviy

Models: 7'1" Medium Casting, 7'1" Medium XFast Spinning

•Shimano Expride B (Casting): https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

•Shimano Expride B (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Models: 7'2" ML Casting, 6'10" MH Spinning

•Dobyns Champion Extreme (Casting): https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

•Dobyns Champion Extreme (Spinning): https://bit.ly/29OVnDa

Models: 744 Casting, 745 Casting, 702 Spinning

HIGH END RODS...

•Megabass Destroyer P5 JDM (Casting): https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

•Megabass Destroyer P5 JDM (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

•Megabass Destroyer P5 USA (Casting): https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

•Megabass Destroyer P5 USA (Spinning): https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

JDM Models: Oneten Stick Casting, Windbuster Spinning

USA Models: Daemos Casting, Flyssa Spinning

•St. Croix Legend X2 (Casting): https://bit.ly/3IOSXcJ

•St. Croix Legend X2 (Spinning): https://bit.ly/4farXAh

Models: 7'4" Heavy Fast Casting, 7'3" ML Xfast Spinning

•G Loomis NRX+ (Casting): https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

•G Loomis NRX+ (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Models: 843C MBR Casting, 852S JWR Spinning

ENTHUSIAST RODS...

•St. Croix Legend Xtreme (Casting): https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

•St. Croix Legend Xtreme (Spinning): https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

Models: 7'4" Heavy Casting, 7'6" Medium Spinning

•Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion (Casting): https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

•Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion (Spinning): https://bit.ly/4nxU53D

Models: Oneten Stick Evolution Casting, Tsubamegaeshi Spinning

•Shimano Poison Ultima (Casting): https://bit.ly/3OfNBGe

•Shimano Poison Ultima (Spinning): https://bit.ly/3uDBhcY

Models: 7'4" ML Spinning, 6'10" Medium Casting

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE! Best Spinnerbaits, Trailers, Alabama Rigs, and Gear!

Today's buyers guide is all about spinnerbaits and A–Rigs! We're streamlining two of the largest categories in bass fishing to help you fish with confidence! Come along as we take a quick dive into some of the best spinnerbaits and rigs on the market!

Spinnerbait options can leave the most seasoned angler confused! Different shapes, sizes, and blade configurations all impact the effectiveness of your bait. The same can be said for A–Rigs, but not after today! With spinnerbaits, we're focused on baits that run flat, track true, and fish well when paired with simple trailers. With A–Rigs we're focused on reliable baits with great movement!

Below you'll find links to the baits and gear in the order we discussed them. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

Buyer's Guide: Best Jigs And Jig Trailers– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

Buyer's Guide: Chatterbaits– https://youtu.be/NaLpakzewTs

FULL FRAME SPINNERBAITS...

•Nichols Catalyst: https://bit.ly/3QfCSuM

Color: Gizzard, Bombshell Shad

•Nichols Dirty Flake: https://bit.ly/427QocQ

Colors: Alabama Bream, Tactical Shad, Moon Shiner

MID FRAME SPINNERBAITS...

•Dirty Jigs Compact: https://bit.ly/3OyxKDD

Color: Tactical Shad, Alabama Bream, Chartreuse Shad

•Damiki TOT Type 1: http://bit.ly/38cxmD6

Color: Smelt Shad, Sharp Belly

•War Eagle Screamin Eagle Nickel: https://bit.ly/2IEHHjA

Colors: Mouse, Spot Remover, Aurora

•Megabass SV–3: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Color: Gill, Hasu, Wakasagi

FINESSE SPINNERBAITS...

•War Eagle Finesse: https://bit.ly/4246JxU

Color: Mouse, Sexxy Mouse

•Zman Sling Bladez Power Finesse: https://bit.ly/35NqVev

Color: Mouserat, Greenback Shad

KICKER BLADE SPINNERBAITS...

•Nichols Red Colorado: https://bit.ly/46Mxmtz

Colors: Coleslaw, Citrus Shad

•Nichols Pulsator Hoosier Series: https://bit.ly/3sUKJEd

Colors: Coleslaw, Snow, Citrus Shad

TRAILERS AND STINGER HOOKS...

•Gamakatsu Trailer SP Hook: https://bit.ly/2IGCfg1

Size: 1/0 - 3/0

•Gamakatsu G Stinger Trailer: https://bit.ly/3jdoaWN

Size: 2, 1

•Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•Nomad 4" Spectre Minnow: https://bit.ly/48MOyle

Colors: Arkansas Shiner, Blueback Herring

SPINNERBAIT STORAGE...

•Buzbe Fast Flatz (Half Large): https://bit.ly/3Tu2yac

TACTICAL BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

•Hog Farmer Tactical 5 Hook (Bladed): https://bit.ly/429NWTK

TACTICAL NON BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3isTio0

•Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

SWIMBAIT HEADS (Largest To Smallest)...

•Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Recommended Size: 1/8 – 3/8 oz

•ZMan Trout Eye Finesse Head: https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Recommended Size: 1/8 oz

REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS AND TOOLS…

•Owner Hyperwire Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 4

•Owner CPS Spring: http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Size: Medium

SWIMBAITS FOR MICRO RIG…

•Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Size: 3”

Colors: American Shad, Pure Gill

•XZone Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Size: 2.75"

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

SWIMBAITS FOR MINI AND FLEX RIG...

•XZone Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Size: 3.5 - 4.75”

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Sexy Shad

•Keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Sizes: 3.8" - 4.8"

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

RIG STORAGE...

•Rig Rangler: https://bit.ly/3DqKUw2

•Rod Glove XL Sleeve: http://bit.ly/2GFOT9R

•TW Alabama Rig Bag: https://bit.ly/3Z1xAbH

HIGH END SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Model: 7'1" Heavy Fast

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC A 70: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'3" Med Heavy: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Reel– Abu Garcia Max Pro: https://bit.ly/3QKCQOG

Line– Sunline FC (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

ALL AROUND RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7’5” Medium heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 M (HG): https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz